subplot

noun

sub·​plot ˈsəb-ˌplät How to pronounce subplot (audio)
1
: a subordinate plot in fiction or drama
2
: a subdivision of an experimental plot of land

Examples of subplot in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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After six episodes, the ending of the Abish/Red Feather/Winter Bird subplot and the Fort Bridger storyline feel abrupt. Keith Phipps, Vulture, 10 Jan. 2025 Of course, life goes on and minor subplots in one's life take long intermissions before reappearing in a much later chapter. John Sergio, Newsweek, 15 Dec. 2024 There are so many characters to keep track of in multiple timelines across various factions and subplots, but next to nothing is done to establish why any but a few of them matter. Erik Kain, Forbes, 10 Dec. 2024 Its star Ralph Fiennes earned a best actor in a drama nomination for his portrayal of a conflicted priest overseeing a papal election crawling with sabotage and subplots. Matt Donnelly, Variety, 9 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for subplot 

Word History

First Known Use

1812, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of subplot was in 1812

Dictionary Entries Near subplot

Cite this Entry

“Subplot.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/subplot. Accessed 22 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

subplot

noun
sub·​plot ˈsəb-ˌplät How to pronounce subplot (audio)
: a subordinate plot in fiction or drama

More from Merriam-Webster on subplot

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